Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole
A hearty and comforting Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole that combines tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and melted cheddar cheese for a delicious, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This easy one-dish recipe is packed with flavor, simple to prepare, and adaptable to suit various tastes and dietary needs.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (including soaking potatoes)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 cups Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein & Dairy
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 cups sharp or mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 3 tbsp butter
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika or smoked paprika (optional)
- Prep the Ingredients: Peel and dice potatoes into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Slice the smoked sausage into rounds. Finely chop onions and mince garlic. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Potatoes and Sausage: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and softened. Add smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned. Add diced potatoes and cook together for 5-7 minutes to begin softening the potatoes and blend flavors.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the skillet mixture into a greased casserole dish. Pour in milk or cream to bind ingredients and keep the casserole moist. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake casserole in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted and golden brown. Remove and let rest for 5-10 minutes to set and enhance flavors before serving.
Notes
- Soak diced potatoes in cold water for 20 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent gummy texture.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting and better flavor, avoiding pre-shredded varieties.
- Cook garlic and onions slowly over medium heat to develop richer flavor instead of rushing at high heat.
- Cut potatoes evenly to ensure uniform tenderness during baking.
- Let casserole rest after baking to firm up and make portioning easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cheesy casserole, smoked sausage, potato casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, baked casserole, weeknight meal, gluten free